Derby the Dog Teaches the Importance of 3D Printing

Working for a tech company, I spend the majority of my day sitting at a computer. The other day, during one of those rare occasions where I had a few minutes between projects, I was browsing a news app and stumbled upon a video the app had reposted as “Derby the dog has a new lease on life”. Naturally, thanks to my love of dogs and curiosity for what kind of sappiness would ensue, I clicked on it.

Well, if you’re one of the 2 million people who viewed the video before me, that number now reaching close to 3 million, you know all about Derby the dog. If not, I would encourage you to spend the next 3 minutes taking a look at why the story of this incredible K9 has swept social media by storm (and besides, if you found it through this blog it’s technically work-related right? So it’s ok, keep reading).

The first time I saw the video I was so distracted watching Derby run and enjoy the use of his legs for the first time that I didn’t catch the titles of the people doing the talking. It wasn’t until the mention of the ProJet 5500 and 3D Systems that it clicked: I was watching a video about the 3D printers we sell here at Hawk Ridge Systems. I quickly sent the video company-wide and watched as the comments and tears rolled in. Since then Derby has shown up everywhere – including the news this morning.

I knew that when we partnered with 3D Systems to sell their printers, we chose them because of their superior product and company model. Little did I know we were partnering with some of the most compassionate people leading the charge into a 3D printed future. Derby’s story is just one of the many ways that 3D Systems uses their groundbreaking technology to help those who could benefit from it most. Taking a look at some of the stories on their website about printed prosthetics for dog and man alike, it becomes clear that the future truly is brighter thanks to 3D printing technology.

While the majority of 3D printers will be found in the basements of large companies, being used for almost instant turnaround of prototypes, the list of potential uses is endless. 3D printers are no longer computer-guided glue guns but have evolved to the point of printing in multiple materials in a single pass. For Derby, this technology in the ProJet 5500 meant being able to have a durable plastic leg and a soft rubber lining for comfort. 3D Systems printers range from desk-sized units to those large enough they’re capable of printing a whole dog.

It doesn’t matter if you are in the prosthetic business or the consumer electronics business, 3D printers can help you design and make a better product. Despite the realism and quality of image you get from a computer program like SOLIDWORKS, nothing beats holding a part in your hand, checking it for fit, or visually seeing necessary changes. However, printers are no longer relegated to the prototype. The quality of print and materials available now rival what you can get from a CNC or injection process. In Derby’s case, the print was all that was needed to change his life.

So while this blog didn’t provide you with a tip or trick today, hopefully it got you thinking. How can 3D printing help me to produce a better product for a better future?

Want to know more about the 3D printers offered by 3D Systems? Come visit the Hawk Ridge Systems Digital Manufacturing Lab in Santa Clara, CA to see a full lineup of 3D printers in action. We even have a monthly open house.

If you can’t make it to the Bay just let us know, and we would be happy to talk about the opportunities to incorporate this technology in your company or send you a sample print. >> GET IN TOUCH

Keep Calm and 3D Print!